Steven Charles Jazz

Atlanta, GA

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About this pro

How does your service stand out?

Because I only work with experienced, professional musicians, we are always on time, dressed properly, of course, play great music, while at the same time not drowning out conversations, or taking overly long breaks.
We also remain flexible in our pacing, postponing a break if it doesn't fit into the flow of the event, & our song choice also reflects the energy & mood of the guests.
In other words, we are there to make the event a success, and to please the guests, not ourselves.
Although, as musicians who love what we do, we are pleased when those we play for are pleased...

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Times hired on Thumbtack

Reviews

Jazz duo was amazing. Guests of our fund raising event were thrilled with the music. Steven created the perfect ambience for us.

Replied to Ron H. - Sep 13, 2016

Hi Ron,
Thanks very much for your kind words, glad the night went well. We are looking forward to playing for some of your future events. Have a great week!
Take Care,
Steven

Janelle H.
Dec 14, 2015

Jazz Band Entertainment

Verified Review

Steven did a great job for my Dad's 60th birthday brunch. The music was great and several attendees wanted his business contact information. You will not be disappointed.

DONNA S.
Nov 2, 2015

Solo Musician Entertainment

Verified Review

Excellent.

Louise J.
Oct 29, 2015

Solo Musician Entertainment

Verified Review

Steven did and amazing job for us at a Grand Opening Event this week! He knew exactly what songs to play and when to play them. All of the guests complemented on how fantastic he is! He was professional and very personable. Thanks Steven we will be working together again soon! Fantastic Job!!

Alicia E.
Mar 23, 2015

Jazz Band Entertainment

Verified Review

Having Steve Charles at my husbands 60th birthday party made it a truly special occasion. Steve played sax and several other instruments. He came with a guitarist and they played a sophisticated variety of jazz that was ideal for our party. Our guests really enjoyed it. Steve and his accompanist are first class musicians and we enjoyed having them in our home!

Terrell W.
Feb 6, 2014

Band Entertainment

Verified Review

The Steven Charles band was far greater than we ever expected. They were on time, to our Thanksgiving dinner, they played awesome music all night long and all of our guests were amazed. It was our first married Thanksgiving and this band made it awesome. We couldn't ask for anything more! We would definitely use them again.

Jeff W.
Dec 5, 2013

Solo Musician Entertainment

Verified Review

A must for every event. Steven is super talented and delivers graciously the parameters the host seeks for the event. We needed backgroud music at the social event and he blended in perfectly. Guests were thrilled at his talent and every feedback from guest was very positive. Steven made it affordable as well.
MANY THANKS TO STEVEN. Hire him for events to even house parties.
Thank you Steven Charles for a perfect event, you made it shine!
Jeff Wright
Daytona Beach News-Journal
770-289-6122

Kraig G.
May 16, 2011

Steven,
Hope this message gets to you as I would like to thank you for your performance at the Atlanta Jazz Festival 2010. Your band had a great set and I feel my trip up from Gainesville FL was worth the trip just to hear your band's version of Cassie's Theme by Grover Washington. If you have a recording of that please tell me how to get my hands on it.
I am so glad I made it to the concert early. I feel that your band and Trombone Shorty were the highlights of the night and I am a Bass Player.
Can't say it enough, you guys are an incredibly gifted Jazz Band. Great work on the saxes and please let me know the name of the bass player again. He worked the pocket well and every one of your band members played their role. Great groove and pocket, your entire set.
If you guys ever play in Florida let me know, once again, an incredible set at the Jazz Festival!
Kraig G.

Vonla G.
May 14, 2011

As Catering Manager I hired Steven many times for my clients. He always proved a great success with my wide variety of clients and their guests. I am proud to reccommend him, his music is varied and he will design his selection to please your needs. He is punctual, and always arrives very well attired.
He works extrememly well to blend in with the hotel staff and the events go seemlessly for everyone. Any hotel's catering department would be wise to have him on their referral list.
I still have your CD and regularly play it!!!!
Best wishes always,
Vonla G.
Senior Catering Sales Manager & VIP Mgr Retired
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
265 Peachtree Street, NE
Atlanta GA 30303

Janice R.
May 14, 2011

"I have worked with Steven over the past 10 years. He has always done a great job entertaining the crowds (75-500) . He does a great job of delivering on the promise. He is timely, is appropriate with the groups, as well as being a great musician. I would hire Steven as well as any of the musicians that he would recommend.
Top Qualities: Personable, Good Value, High Integrity
Regards,
Janice R.
Marketing and Projects Director
Atlanta Community Food Bank"

Kerri W.
May 11, 2011

Dear Steven Charles,
It has been a pleasure working with you. I wanted to take a minute and share how much I appreciate your performances here at The Vinings Club. Your facilitation of your Duo, Trio, and Solo performances for our special Vinings Club weddings, social functions, corporate parties, and formal dining room dinner events, have made a tremendous impact here at The Vinings Club.
The members and guests have frequently praised your musical talents and professionalism, and have continuously inquired about future scheduled events. It is so important to have a sophisticated and enjoyable experience, and you have always gone above and beyond to create that ambiance for our members and guests.
I can't thank you enough for all of your continuous support here at The Vinings Club. Your professionalism and dynamic talent have truly made an impact. I wish you continued success in all your endeavors, please do not hesitate to contact me for anything you may need.
Warmest regards,
Karri W.
Member Relations Director

Holly E.
May 7, 2011

Wow ~ where do I begin to recommend Steven.?! I have known Steven for so many years and he was always my entertainment source of choice during my 15 years owning Executive Catering & Events. He is the utmost professional filled with amazing talent who knows how to ensure the entertainment complements the event. I give my highest recommendation for Steven for corporate, social and bar/restaurant entertainment."
Top qualities: Great Results , Good Value , High Integrity
Holly E.
Founder & Executive Director at Green Foodservice Alliance

Inny R.
May 6, 2011

"Steven and his musician partners would consistently play the best jazz music ever!! My clients always adored him and loved his music. I always wondered why he was not famous!!! He was great to listen to at small gatherings, and large events as well. I wish I had enough business to keep him in Atlanta. Good luck in Denver!!! You will do great!! Keep playing that soulful, sexy, soothing jazz.
Top Qualities: Expert, Good Value, High Integrity
Inny L.
Director of Catering Loews Atlanta Hotel

Bob C.
Apr 26, 2011

"Steven Charles is a class act! His passion for music and jazz shows in every performance. We hired Steven on a couple of occasions, and received very positive feedback from guests attending. And not only is Steven great during the actual performance, he gives the attention-to-detail you need when engaged in the pre-event planning process.
I am sorry to see Steven leave the Atlanta market ... but Atlanta's loss will definitely be Colorado's gain! If you're considering Steven's smooth and classical jazz sounds for your next event, you won't be disappointed!!"
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Creative
Bob C.
Vice President / Business Development at Corporate Events & Meetings

Q&A

What types of customers have you worked with?

After primarily playing clubs & festivals for many years, always with a full band, the economics of live music changed, and I had to shift gears a bit. So, while I continued doing some club & concert shows, I streamlined the numbers of musicians I needed to still present a full, warm, high quality, professional sound. Thus, I utilized technology to create a great deal of music, recorded it, minus lead instruments, & use those recordings as the background, so that two or three of us sound just like a four or five piece group. I can even play a night's music solo, which has enabled to get many jobs that would normally have gone to a DJ, guitarist, pianist, or even a small combo.
Being able to make great sounding music, yet without needing the size or the budget of a larger ensemble, has meant we are called for many kinds of events. Of course, for more intimate events, a dinner, home cocktail party, or where space is at a premium, me alone, or as a duo, with my guitarist, makes perfect sense. However, we've been hired to also perform for up to 1,000 or more people, as well.
We have done hundreds of corporate receptions, shows, dinners, Christmas parties, & large galas, where Bill Gates or Barack Obama, may be speaking, or another artist, like Bruce Hornsby, or the Pointer Sisters may perform after us. Our client list includes many of the very biggest companies, most professional sport organizations, & trade groups in the medical, legal, scientific, engineering, & IT fields, as well as many non-profit & governmental organizations.
We most often play for cocktail hours, dinners, & anywhere just the right musical ambience is desired.
When a more high-powered concert or show & dance is desired, I can call on other top professionals to fill out the band, as I most recently did this past summer, to play the mainstage at the Atlanta Jazz Festival.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Well, here's an example indicative of our versatility, and of how well we perform.
The first was being only one of three local jazz bands selected to play on the main stage of the 2010 Atlanta Jazz Festival, where we were followed by Trombone Shorty, Esperanza Spaulding, and Marcus Miller. We were a bit stunned at the rousing applause & shouts of "more, more, one more", and that was after already playing an encore tune! I would have loved to play longer, but there's a time consideration at play, when it's a festival, as other bands have to come & go, as well.
My group at that event was six musicians & a female vocalist, & included some of the best players in the world. My guitarist had been Gladys Knight & Marvin Gaye's lead player for many years, my drummer has worked with Earth Wind & Fire, Joe Sample, Jean Luc Ponty, Bette Midler, Grover Washington Jr., & many others, etc....
The following week, with just my guitarist, and keyboard player, we played a reception for Microsoft's top executives at the Four Seasons Hotel, something we've done many times they've come to town. When we finished, the hotel manager bought us each a glass of wine, to toast my departure.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

For one, I would suggest seeing them play live, if possible. Next best is to view some video, & of course, at the minimum, hear some recordings. If they have references/testimonials, that is a good way to see who's experienced, and how well others view their work.
It's very important also, to as best you can, ascertain if those you book are reliable, will show up early enough to deal with any unexpected contingencies, & be dressed appropriate to the event. Obviously, tuxedoes for a backyard BBQ or jeans & t-shirts at a corporate reception might not make for the best mix. If there is a specific manner in which you'd like the band attired, be sure to discuss that beforehand, & clearly. I've sometimes been surprised at what a band member may think is "casual dressy", and have learned to make sure I'm clear in my directions..

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

I suppose that I'm one of those musicians that is not simply an interchangeable part, not one to just fill a saxophone or flute player spot. My entire relationship to music is that I use music as my primary artistic outlet, so I must be feeling what I'm doing, or would simply rather not do it at all. Because of that, no matter if I'm playing a concert to 50,000 people, on television, for presidents, movie stars, & top corporate CEOs, or at a home day care center, or backyard BBQ, I cannot just phone in my part, everyone gets the best that I can do, period.
As to the profession, I guess it's the converse, and something that banged up the idealistic image I had of all musicians, before I went out into the professional world. Not all musicians are deeply passionate, expressive, nor always concerned that the audience always gets 100%. I believe that every job is a blessing, that while I could've made a better living had I continued on to law school, just being able to make a livelihood doing something I love is a definite privilege, and one I am very grateful for.